MP welcomes new payments on tax

MP Oliver Heald has welcomed moves to help households bring down their monthly bills by spreading council tax payments over 12 months rather than 10.

The new right to choose to pay throughout the year comes into force from April.

Residents need to contact their district council – the billing authority – to request the change.

Households can continue to pay in 10 instalments over the year if they wish as there is no obligation to change. Mr Heald, who is the Solicitor General for England and Wales, as well as MP for Royston, said: “Conservatives in Government have shown that they will do all they can to keep council tax bills down for families and pensioners. By making it possible for taxpayers to pay over 12 months rather than 10, households will be able to bring down their monthly outgoings and have more control over when they pay their bills. I urge any householders who would benefit from this change to exercise their new right.”